Foreign couple arrested for forcing SA women into online porn
Authorities in Tshwane have arrested a Zimbabwean woman and her Nigerian husband for allegedly trafficking women and forcing them to perform in online porn.
The Tshwane Metro Police Department's Tactical Response Team, working with the South African Police Service, carried out the arrests on Monday 16 June after receiving a tip-off.
According to TMPD senior superintendent Isaac Mahamba, the officers traced the female suspect to a property in Gezina, Pretoria North.
'She was suspected of luring young women and coercing them into filming online pornography,' Mahamba said.
Officers followed the woman to a second location in Pretoria North, where they found four women.
Three were South African citizens and one a Malawian national, allegedly forced to perform online sex acts using recording equipment and large screens.
The women, aged between 18 and 38, told officers the suspect was holding them against their will. They also said she had taken their identification documents.
Police arrested the Zimbabwean woman on the scene. Further investigation led police to a separate address where they arrested her Nigerian husband.
Both suspects face charges of human trafficking and forcing the production of online porn.
Police have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation continues.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Gift of the Givers staff threatened by Eastern Cape 'water mafia'
The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu has condemned the threats and intimidation directed at humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers while delivering lifesaving assistance to flood-affected communities in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. Inclement weather conditions that had been forecast wreaked havoc in parts of the Eastern Cape last week. As a result, hundreds of people were displaced as they had to be evacuated from their flooded homes, while water and electricity infrastructure were also damaged. At least 90 people have been confirmed dead. According to the police, it is alleged that members of a so-called 'water mafia' reportedly linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality, threatened Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to residents impacted by the recent floods. In condemning the incident, Mchunu said police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to people. Mchunu said the Gift of the Givers has consistently been a source of hope and dignity to South Africans in their hour of need. 'Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of ubuntu. No individual or group will be allowed to profiteer off disaster or compromise the safety and well-being of our people. Law enforcement will act decisively. 'The SAPS will ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers in the area, and hold those responsible fully accountable under the law. We have also been made aware of individuals who go to the homes of those who lost their lives due to these floods, with a view to committing acts of theft from these homes. Police have been deployed to ensure the safety of the property of the deceased.' In response, the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape said it is appalled and deeply disturbed by the threats directed towards officials of the Gift of the Givers Foundation. 'We wish to state without fear that extortion is a crime and it is a moral betrayal of the highest order, especially when directed at those extending a hand to the helpless. To prey on a crisis is to turn pain into profit. It is merciless, and it will not be tolerated,' the municipality said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
South Africa's Unica Iron and Steel lands landmark Indian contract amid industry turmoil
In a moment of rare triumph for South Africa's embattled steel industry, Unica Iron and Steel (Pty) Ltd has secured a major international contract to supply structural steel for a high-profile smart city development in Hyderabad, India. The deal, estimated at more than R500 million, marks a significant victory not only for the company but for the country's push for industrial transformation. What makes this agreement particularly historic is the composition of the engineering team leading Unica's work on the project. All engineers assigned to the Hyderabad development are young black professionals from the townships of Pretoria, including Hammanskraal and Babelegi, where Unica's main operations are based. This team will be responsible for overseeing the fabrication and modular assembly of over 14 000 metric tons of structural steel, destined for Hyderabad's upcoming Innovation and Mobility District. The district is central to India's broader 'Digital Cities' programme and includes a multimodal transport hub, tech incubators, and high-density commercial space.'This is not just steel. This is a symbol of inclusion and excellence,' said Thabiso Mokoena, a 32-year-old civil engineer from Hammanskraal who will lead one of the site teams in India. 'We come from places that were never part of the national industrial conversation. Now, we are building a city.'The project's chief architect, Rajesh Kumar, underscored the significance of Unica's team selection. 'Their proposal stood out not only for its technical merit, but for its deep commitment to transformation. It is rare to see such alignment between business excellence and social progress,' he said. Despite this global breakthrough, Unica is simultaneously locked in a high-stakes battle on the home front. The company has come under scrutiny following a series of raids by the Department of Home Affairs, spurred by anonymous allegations of human trafficking and employment of undocumented workers. In a strongly worded statement this week, Unica described the claims as part of a 'concerted effort by sinister agents' to discredit the company during a sensitive time. 'There have been several site visits by authorities,' said Managing Director Mohammed Qasim. 'None of them resulted in arrests or adverse findings. These allegations are not only false but damaging to our workers and our communities.'Unica has also challenged a previous decision by the Industrial Development Corporation to blacklist the company and its directors. The move followed a forensic audit triggered by a whistleblower report alleging financial irregularities, including payments to entities like KGN Engineering. Unica denied the allegations and won a court interdict in February 2025, temporarily clearing its name. The IDC has since suspended its blacklist pending further judicial review. Still, Qasim insists that the company remains focused on its mission. 'We are proud of what we have built. Our workforce is 96 percent South African. We are proving that industry can grow without compromising on integrity or transformation.' For many in Hammanskraal and Babelegi, this moment is personal. As the steel from South Africa begins to shape a new skyline in Hyderabad, it carries with it the ambitions of communities long sidelined in the country's economy.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Senzo trial: How Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng founded Kaizer Chiefs before presiding over courtrooms
Before he wore the robe, the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial judge was a leader on the soccer pitch. Now presiding over the high-profile Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng might appear stern and unflinching, but behind that piercing gaze is the soul of a football genius once known simply as 'Ace'. The judge who once ruled the pitch From scoring goals for Orlando Pirates to co-founding Kaizer Chiefs, the man now delivering justice once delivered pinpoint passes. And in his case, the court and the soccer pitch are more alike than you'd think. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng is no ordinary judge. While many in court see a seasoned jurist with decades of legal gravitas, football purists know him as 'Ace', the visionary midfielder whose name once echoed in packed stadiums across South Africa. Judge 'Ace' Mokgoatlheng. Picture: supplied In the swinging '70s, Mokgoatlheng was regarded as one of the brightest talents in South African football. Described by fellow players as a soft-spoken and shy figure off the field, he transformed into a maestro on it. A bone of contention He launched his career in 1969 with Orlando Pirates, but soon faced expulsion alongside Edward 'Msomi' Khoza and Thomas 'Zero My Hero' Johnson after choosing to disregard management's instructions not to compete in a match for a local club in Gaborone. This decision would prove momentous in defining their paths. Mokgoatlheng's style was defined by an almost supernatural sense of timing, vision and control. 'He could see plays two moves ahead,' said a former teammate. 'He was jazz in motion.' ALSO READ: 'Bucket list checked': Zakes Bantwini graduates from Harvard From Orlando Pirates to founding Kaizer Chiefs Kaizer Chiefs was officially established in January 1970. Ratha Mokgoatlheng is on the far right in the bottom row… with his trademark spectacles. Photo: Before the legal books, there was the beautiful game. Mokgoatlheng began his football journey at Orlando Pirates, one of the country's most storied teams. But it was his role in co-founding Kaizer Chiefs alongside Kaizer Motaung in January 1970 that etched his name into South African soccer history. While others chased goals, Mokgoatlheng juggled court dates and corner kicks. Remarkably, he played for Kaizer Chiefs while studying law at the University of Fort Hare. By the time he was admitted as an attorney in 1976, he'd already earned legendary status on the field. Brains, boots and the law Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng during the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial at Pretoria High Court on 17 July 2024. Picture: Gallo Images/Phill Magako Many of his contemporaries recall how he was never one to brag or seek the limelight. 'Ace was quiet, even introverted,' recalled one former coach. 'But once he had the ball, he spoke with his feet.' Even after hanging up his boots, his connection to the game endured. He's participated in historical panels and debates on South Africa's football greats and remains respected for his insights on the evolution of the sport. It's no surprise some football historians rate him in the same breath as Steve 'Kalamazoo' Mokone, the first South African to play professional football in Europe. ALSO READ: Homage to Queen Nandi: Nomzamo Mbatha reveals secrets behind her regal Shaka iLembe gown After practising law for over 30 years, Mokgoatlheng was appointed as an acting judge in 2002 and eventually rose to the full-time bench. Over the years, he's quietly built a reputation for fairness, sharp logic and courtroom control. He's presided over several notable cases, including the conviction of former spy boss Richard Mdluli and the recognition of Lerato Sengadi as the customary wife of late rapper HHP. But it's his current role presiding over the emotionally charged Senzo Meyiwa murder trial that has placed him under the national microscope. Watching him steer a courtroom filled with tension and drama, one could say: once a midfield general, always a general. Legacy on both fields Judge Ratha 'Ace' Mokgoatlheng's story is not just one of transformation; it's a tale of dual mastery. Few can say they've stood at the heart of South African football history and then gone on to shape its legal system. Whether it was threading the perfect pass or parsing a complex legal argument, Ace always had an eye for strategy. And now, with the nation watching, it's clear: he's still playing for high stakes, only this time, the pitch is the courtroom.
